A three component method of analyzing icebreaking resistance

Abstract

This thesis presents a broad based review of current literature in the field of ship icebreaking and ice mechanics relevant to icebreaking. -- A dimensional analysis of the ship icebreaking problem is presented, leading to a system of non-dimensional numbers based on division of the problem into three independent components; an ice breaking component, an ice clearing component and a viscous drag component. Results from a comprehensive set of model tests are presented, validating the three component analysis method. In addition the method is applied to a number of model scale and full scale data sets with considerable success. It is concluded that testing and analysis of icebreaking by dividing the problem into components is practically feasible and offers an improved method of analysis, presentation and scaling.